The U.S. and Israel: Suddenly Uneasy Allies?

"I meant what I said to the prime minister of Israel. I expect there to be a withdrawal without delay."

After his weekend call for an immediate end to Israeli military activities in Palestinian territories was ignored, President Bush repeated his strong request on Monday.

But Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon again disregarded the pleas of his most important ally. Sharon announced to the Israeli Parliament Monday that the military campaign against Palestinian terrorists was not yet over.

Israel owes its existence to the military, financial, and diplomatic support it has received from the United States over the decades. Now, the relations between the two allies appear strained. This hour, we examine the history and future of U.S.-Israeli relations. Is it time to reconsider the nature of the alliance? Is Washington's close relationship with Jerusalem alienating Arab nations? Or does Israel remain a strong and crucial ally to the United States?

Guests:

Stephen Van Evera, professor of political Science at MIT, author of "Causes of War: Power and the Roots of Conflict"

Gideon Rose, managing editor at Foreign Affairs magazine, former member of the National Security Council, current fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations